Council unanimously has approved a new two-year contract with Smith Ambulance for ambulance service in the city.

The contract keeps at current levels the subsidy that Uhrichsville pays the company and has one new provision — a requirement that Smith keep its operations and its personnel within the city. The contract can be canceled with 60 days’ notice.

It recently was approved without comment by City Council members.

The contract, drawn up by city Solicitor Doug O’Meara, was submitted to company owner Bob Smith. Smith said he wants to discuss the issue further with O’Meara.

Currently, the city has a month-to-month contract with Smith.

Uhrichsville is exploring the idea of starting its own ambulance service as a means to raise revenue. The service would be operated by Uhrichsville firefighters.

Council members decided to offer Smith a new two-year contract after “for sale” signs appeared in front of the company’s property in Uhrichsville earlier this month.

At a meeting with the ambulance committee several weeks ago, Smith explained his decision, telling them he was concerned that if the city canceled his contract, he would be stuck with an empty building on which he is paying a mortgage.

Smith recently said he had a chance to look at the new contract, but added, “They really didn’t ask to negotiate anything. They want a two-year contract with no increase in the subsidy. I saw no advantage in a two-year contract over month-to-month.”

As for the provision requiring his company to keep its operations in Uhrichsville, he said, “Until they make a decision on starting their own service, we can’t commit to that.”

He added, “I’m not in a position to commit long-term without the assurance that they will continue to subsidize coverage time and collect the ambulance levy.”

Smith noted that his company continues to provide 24/7 ambulance coverage of the community.